Hedgehogs and tenrecs often confuse people with their striking similarities, but they are not the same or related. There are thirty tenrec species and seventeen species of hedgehog.
To have either of the two as a pet, you need to know what makes each species unique, understand their defensive behaviors, and be able to minimize them for your safety. You can effectively achieve this through extensive socialization from a young age, selective breeding, and confident handling.
Let’s get started.
Differences Between Hedgehog and Tenrec
Hedgehog
A hedgehog, also known as a pincushion, is a small spiny mammal that curls into a small ball with its spikes sticking in all directions.
Hedgehogs curl up when frightened or disturbed as a defense mechanism from their predators. They also sleep in the curled position so that they are not caught unaware by their enemies.
A hedgehog can be black, light brown, or white. It has over 3000 modified hairs called quills on its back. Hedgehog quills are made of keratin, so they are strong enough for protection.
Hedgehogs have powerful long legs with five toes on each paw. Their curved claws make them good diggers. They have a good sense of hearing due to their large ears.
Tenrec
A tenrec, also known as Echinops Telfair, is a small stout-bodied nocturnal mammal whose origin is Madagascar. Tenrec’s body is covered in spines for self-defense. It has a long snout with whiskers and large ears.
Tenrecs have tiny eyes. They have large toes with hooked claws to grip surfaces.
When threatened, tenrecs curl into an almost impenetrable ball.
| Characteristic | Hedgehog | Tenrec |
| Body length | An adult hedgehog measures 5 to 8 inches long or 12.7 to 20.3 centimeters. | An adult tenrec is about 14 to 18 inches or 5.5 to 7 inches long. |
| Snout | Hedgehog’s snout is short and wide compared to a tenrec. | A tenrec has a long, narrow nose similar to a rat. |
| Legs and toes | Hedgehogs have skinny legs, four toes on the front paws, and five on the back feet. | Tenrecs have long, thin legs. The front and back feet have five toes each. |
| Adult weight | An adult hedgehog achieves a weight of 250-680 grams in about three months. | A grown tenrec weighs between 130-180 grams while healthy. |
| Body odor | If clean, a hedgehog has no body odor. Their smell depends on hygiene. | Tenrecs have a musky body odor, which makes it hard to domesticate them. However, females don’t have any odors. |
| Gender confirmation | Hedgehog’s male and female genitals are external and easily distinguishable. | Tenrecs’ genitalia is inside. They are hidden in a urogenital opening called a cloaca. |
| Lifespan | Hedgehogs can live up to 5 years when healthy. | The lifespan of a tenrec is 12 years. |
| Diet | Hedgehogs are omnivorous | Tenrecs are insectivorous when domesticated. In the wild, they can feed on small animals like mice. |
Similarities
The most apparent similarity between a hedgehog and a tenrec is that both are spiky and have a spine. The spine acts as a defense mechanism from predators.
Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are nocturnal. If you want to pick either of the two for a pet, you don’t have to worry about controlling their temperature and lighting.
Both animals anoint, though they achieve it differently. Tenrecs spit saliva on their paws and spread it on the quills. However, they don’t need foam when they anoint, unlike when grooming.
On the other hand, hedgehogs produce foamy spittles and twist their neck around to spread the foam on the quills. It often looks like a horror scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hedgehogs Throw Quills?
A hedgehog’s quills are modified hairs. You’re likely to mistake them for porcupine quills.
Hedgehog quills can break off or fall out, but they cannot shoot their quills to defend themselves.
Can You Bath Tenrecs?
Tenrecs don’t need water baths. You need to give them sand and allow them to self bath. Tenrecs use sand to clean and exfoliate their skin. They grab it with their front paws, wet it with saliva, and scrub their skin.
Can Tenrecs Live Together?
Tenrecs, unlike hedgehogs, are more social. Females can live together, but males can only live in solitude, as they’ll fight if you keep them in the same cage.
Final Thoughts
Hedgehogs and tenrecs are not the same. The two look similar but are not related. Although both have quills, their domestic requirements differ. Hedgehogs are more common pets than tenrecs.
You can pick either of the two as a pet. However, you’ll need patience and cuddling to make the spiny animals cuddly and loving. Tenrecs require less light and heat compared to hedgehogs.
With our comprehensive comparison and contrast between hedgehogs and tenrecs, we hope you’ll not confuse the two anymore.
